ALFAPARF Milano Professional Architects of Design (AOD), the elite education programme designed to foster high level talent, has announced its team for 2026. It brings together a fantastic mix of 12 hairdressers from across Ireland and the UK who will spend the next year learning from some of the best in the industry. This year’s team is:
Chelsey Stone, Chelsea Stone Hair, UK
Paul Carlin, Carlin Hair, Northern Ireland
Sienna Scarr, Steven Scarr Hair, UK
Mandy Hogan, Ross Adams Hair & Beauty, Ireland
Darren Luby, Kida Hair & Co, Ireland
Emily Dunne, Cyril Morgan Hair, Ireland
Matthew Morris, Matthew Morris Hair Design, UK
Catherine Gormley, Catherine Gormley Hairdressing, Ireland
Lee Hathaway, Lee Hathaway Hair, UK
Jane Stacey, Pretty Soul Hair & Beauty, UK
Dan Pryke, Pare Hair Co, UK
Jodie Naughton, Zenith Hairdressing, Ireland
The year-long programme kicked off in Dublin with ALFAPARF Milano Professional Brand Ambassador UKI Jamie Benny and will continue with presentation skills with Simon Shaw, fantastic trips to Rome and Milan,
and further days with Jamie Benny, Andrea Dorata (ALFAPARF Milano Professional Brand Ambassador UKI), Ben Brown (ALFAPARF Milano Professional Digital Brand Ambassador UKI), Paul Stafford (ALFAPARF Milano Professional Brand Ambassador UKI) and current F.A.M.E Team member Samantha Byrne.
And to top it all off, the team will collaborate on a two-day shoot at the ALFAPARF Milano Academy in London, where they get to bring together everything they have learnt from this inspiring year of outstanding opportunities.
“We have such wealth of experience and talent in this year’s team,” says Stacy Humphrey’s, Head of Education, Xpert Professional. “It does not matter what stage of career you are at, if you are a hairdresser, it’s important that you never stop learning. This multi-disciplinary programme is designed to not only be inspirational, but to give even experienced stylists the opportunity to upskill and learn new techniques. The monthly programme will cover everything from wig-making, colour workshops, cutting masterclasses, and styling. Plus, the trips to Rome and Milan will be a true highlight, with the team not only being able to experience the home of ALFAPARF Milano Professional but also be mentored by some of the best Italian hairdressers.”